Water Quality and Sensitivity of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan Aquifer in West-Central Winona County

This study was conducted as part of a multi-agency study to investigate and evaluate sensitivity of ground water resources in Minnesota to pollution. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Yater Quality Division focused on water quality of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer in a 100 square mile area in west-central Yinona County in order to 1) provide data used to support geologic sensitivity criteria and guidelines development, and 2) obtain a better understanding of the ground water system associated with the Garvin Brook Rural Clean Yater Project area. Primary objectives of the Yinona County monitoring study were to determine the variability of water chemistry within geologic formations, relate water quality and variability to geologic sensitivity, and assess the factors affecting water quality and residence times within the aquifer.